Imprint
- Virago
- Virago
- Virago
Poetry, Poetry by individual poets
From the acclaimed author of Corregidora, this volume contains poems in the voices of the lovers Almeyda and Anninho, two fugitive slaves in 17th-century Brazil; a continuation of the unforgettable journey of the characters of Gayl Jones's masterwork, Palmares (2021)
By the acclaimed writer of Palmares and Corregidora.
When the Portuguese attack Palmares, Brazil's last fugitive slave enclave, Almeyda and her husband are separated as they flee from the destruction. Amid the flight and re-enslavement of the inhabitants, their narrative emerges.
Two powerful, epic poems give voice to the lovers: Almeyda's passionate lament for Anninho, whom she believes has been killed, is combined with his response as he searches for her. Their story is one of longing - for each other, for freedom - and for revolution.
'I want to stay here, Anninho.'
'There won't be any way
you can stay here.
When they catch us,
they'll take you back.'
'The men they kill,
the women they take back.'
Praise for Song for Almeyda and Song for Anninho
-
Gayl Jones's work represents a watershed in American literature. From a literary standpoint, her form is impeccable; from a historical standpoint, she stands at the very cutting edge of understanding the modern world, and as a Black woman writer, her truth-telling, filled with beauty, tragedy, humour, and incisiveness, is unmatched. Jones is a writer's writer, and her influence is found everywhere
-
These are songs of longing and love, journeys of discovery and wholeness, revelations about trauma's deep impact on body and soul, and simultaneous declarations of resistance and acceptance. Readers enthralled by Palmares will enjoy the added dimensions here, while others will be moved by the historical Black voices and oral traditions Jones so powerfully evokes - Booklist
-
A literary giant, and one of my absolute favourite writers - Tayari Jones
Find a book you’ll love, get our Word Up newsletter
.png?auto=compress&w=150&h=60&fit=crop&fm=jpg)
.png?auto=compress&w=150&h=60&fit=crop&fm=jpg)
Hachette Australia acknowledges and pays our respects to the past, present and future Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our head office is located on the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation.
